On May 9th 2021, Elder Hugo E. Martinez, Area President for the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with Elder Raymond Egbo, Area Seventy, and some other local area leaders, launched the first gathering place in Nigeria in the Abuja Nigeria Kubwa Stake.
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A gathering place initiative has been established in the Africa West Area to continue the Church’s emphasis on strengthening the rising generation. A gathering place is a designated Church facility, such as a meetinghouse or institute, where young single adults and their friends can gather for some or all of the following activities:
- Religious education and gospel learning (including institute)
- Service and social activities
- Temple and family history activites
- Self-reliance, education opportunities and support groups
- Missionary and community-outreach activities
- Other Church programs
Elder Martinez stated, “This was a great gathering of young adult members and friends to celebrate the opening of the Abuja Gathering Place. The presence of the Holy Ghost was palpable in the expressions of love, testimony, and gospel learning.”
As the young single adults gather, friendships will be made or enhanced as individuals seek to increase their opportunities for growth, both temporally and spiritually. The emphasis on strengthening single adults is not new, but this is a new opportunity to bring single adults together to help one another develop skills and talents, share ideas and strengthen individuals as they strive to improve their lives.
